ᴄʜᴇᴍɪᴄᴀʟ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ - ᴀʟʙᴇᴅᴏ x ᴏᴄ

Chapter 20 - Following The Wind

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All The Things She Said - Poppy
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"Oh shit, I didn't! I couldn't have-"

Melanie stood in the center of the clearing outside the campsite. Roughly half an hour ago she had woken up beside Albedo with many memories she felt didn't belong to her. The glass was scarce outside, as the wind already carried most of it on, but a few larger shards remained.

She held them in her fingers, careful to not cut herself. Aside from the splitting headache, the swelling in her shoulder, and the dull ache in her belly, she felt fine physically. But something in her mind screamed at her saying, "you're such an idiot!"

"I don't understand how I could have forced him into it..." she whispered into the wind, lifting her chin to the sky with her eyes fluttering closed.

A soft breeze, tender and sweet, came from behind. It carried her brown tendrils on its journey, sending a display around her face. She opened her eyes, a single tear rolling down her face. Inside her head, the voice persisted.

"You've caused him so much trouble," it hissed. "He's spending all his days babysitting you. When have you expressed concern for him?"

Turning to look back at the sleeping man, she frowned, another tear sliding down her pale face. "I love him so much."

The voice didn't answer, but the wind blew once more, this time fiercer than before. As a firm believer in the Anemo Archon, she took a step in the direction it pushed her in. One step was followed by another, then another, until she was leaping straight over the bridge with the wind pushing her forward.

Sticking the landing, Melanie continued to run. She wasn't sure where she was running or why, but it felt right. Space was what she needed. She needed space to think about everything. It was day seven of her conversion trial, and reflecting on the previous days was a bit faltering.

But her love for Albedo overshadowed the hardships, just not enough for her to slow her pace or turn back for her jacket, at least. She'd been unfortunate enough to leave with nothing but a white t-shirt and a pair of black capris. The cave had been too hot at the time, but now it was bitterly cold.

Melanie suddenly came to an abrupt halt, sending a spray of snow onto a bare tree's trunk. Hot puffs of air were sent into the air, her lungs taking in the cold air with a horrible sting. Guilt washed over her. Maybe the voice was right.

What had she ever done for him? She whined about his lack of affection. She injured herself several times. She was nothing more than some sob story he was taking in for the sake of his good-natured heart.

Tears streamed down her face, each freezing and falling when they formed droplets under her chin from the cold. Albedo would wake up, realize she was gone, and worry even more. Would she ever catch him a break? This was why she needed to be away from him, where she wouldn't hurt him anymore.

She continued following the wind into the icy mountains. Her skin was blue, but she kept going anyway. On she went past the large thicket of trees by a lake crawling with strange individuals in uniform. The name of the group was on the tip of her tongue, but she didn't dwell on it and instead continued sneaking away from them.

Melanie wished she had a map to follow. The wind kept changing directions, and even if she wanted to return to the fireside, she never would find her way back. Her tracks were covered carefully as if filled individually with great care.

Soon enough, she was led to a large cavern. The gaping entrance looked inviting. She took a step forward, and the wind instantly disappeared. Maybe it was from her stepping too far into the opening for the wind to blow inward, but she took it as her destination was reached.